Final Thoughts on Oscar Wao

I was hoping this story would have a happier ending for Oscar, but was foreseeing the ultimate end way prior to its fruition. I actually found the non-traditional style Diaz took in telling the story of this family, through many different lenses, enhanced the effects of the text. I felt it also aided in getting to know this family as a whole. I enjoyed the insertion of Spanish dialogue into the text (and enjoyed looking it up in the translation app I have on my phone- there are some BAD words!). I want to take a few moments to discuss my views on two of the complex characters within this story even though I know, through class discussions, that some of you may disagree, but that's okay.

Oscar had been chasing girls since he was in preschool. He was described as a "preschool loverboy who was always trying to kiss the girls" and give them "...the pelvic pump" (Diaz 11). As he grew older, his weight became the obstacle between him and the girls. He still remained intrigued by them and in continual pursuit of them. He ultimately sacrificed his life for one, Ybon. Was it an act of true love or his one opportunity to get laid that he couldn't pass on (even though it would bring death)? I believe that Oscar's choice to return to Ybon was a conscious suicide. He knew he would be murdered, but didn't care. I believe he wanted to die but could not die a virgin so he went to the place where he could accomplish both objectives: get laid and die. I felt sorry for Oscar but would have liked it if he had been strong enough to resist the hyper-masculine views of his culture and embrace himself as an individual. It's idealistic, I know, because we all suffer the same dilemma but I would have liked to see Oscar's character mature and emerge from the stereotypes and Diaz didn't give that to me.

 Beli is the character I attached with the most. Maybe it is because she is a mother and I am a mother, maybe it is because we both suffered traumas as a young person. Whatever the case, I admired her ability to break away from her country and start a new life. It wasn't an easy life and she wasn't always the best mother (I would NEVER say those horrible things to my children), but I understand the motivation behind it. As I said in class, I believe that when you become a parent you strive to bring your children to the finish line in the best possible position for life. Sometimes, you look back on your own life for guidance. In witnessing the choices Beli makes in parenting her children, I believe that Beli feels that if La Inca had been harder on her the outcome would have been different. It may not have been different, and I certainly don't advocate abusing children, but both of her children went to college and had a brighter financial futures then Beli ever did. Does that make her a success as a mother? I don't know, but somehow I respect her for her strength and overwhelming love for her children. She didn't always show it, but I never questioned whether it was the fuel to her fire.